What to do when an ORNL FCU account holder dies
Report the death to ORNL FCU at 1-800-676-5328
After a member of ORNL FCU dies, ORNL FCU manages the transfer of accounts. POD-designated and trust-owned accounts pass directly to beneficiaries. Accounts held solely in the member's name may require probate court documents—Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration—before funds can be released.
Begin by calling ORNL FCU. You will need the deceased's full name, account numbers, and the death certificate to get the process started.
Death claim process
The death claim process at ORNL FCU works as follows:
Filing a claim
Required Documents
- Satisfactory evidence of the deathSuch as a certified death certificate or court order.
- Documentary evidence satisfactory to ORNL FCU, before funds are paid
What happens to each kind of account7
- Payable-on-death account
An individual account is paid according to the Account Card, such as to a payable-on-death beneficiary.1
- Account in one name
Otherwise the owner's interest in an individual account passes, subject to applicable law, to the estate. With no beneficiary designation, no probate proceedings or no estate, the credit union may pay the funds to any heir, or hold them until a proper court order is presented.1
- Joint account with survivorship
A joint account is held with right of survivorship unless the Account Card states otherwise, so the balance belongs to the surviving owner or owners.1
- IRA
An IRA is governed by the separate IRA agreement and its beneficiary designation.1
- Custodial account (UTMA/UGMA)
If the custodian of a UTMA/UGMA account dies, the credit union may freeze the account until it receives instructions from a person authorized by law or a valid court order.1
- Certificate of deposit
On a share certificate, the credit union may, at its discretion, waive the early withdrawal penalty if an account owner dies.1
- Loan
The death of a borrower may be treated as an event of default on the loan.1
State law on paying a balance without lettersTennessee
- Tennessee
T.C.A. § 45-4-405
Tennessee law permits a credit union to pay from a deceased member's balance on proof the institution accepts, without letters testamentary or letters of administration.T.C.A. § 45-4-405Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
Limit: $15,000 held at the institution
When: 30 days after the death
Paid to: the executor named in any will known to the institution; in the absence of knowledge of a purported will naming a surviving executor: a creditor for expenses of the funeral; a creditor for the expenses of the last illness; the surviving spouse; the next of kin
The section permits the payment. It does not require the credit union to make it. The section sets further conditions.
T.C.A. § 30-2-103(b)(2)
Tennessee law permits a credit union to pay from a deceased member's balance on proof the institution accepts, without letters testamentary or letters of administration.T.C.A. § 30-2-103(b)(2)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
Limit: $10,000 held at the institution
When: six (6) months have passed since the decedent's death without an application being made for the appointment of a personal representative
Paid to: the surviving spouse of a decedent or a trust for the benefit of the surviving spouse; if no surviving spouse exists, the surviving children of the decedent as tenants in common or a trust for the benefit of any surviving children (in that order)
The section permits the payment. It does not require the credit union to make it. The section sets further conditions.
Accounts handled elsewhere1
- LPL Financial
Investment accounts held through LPL Financial, which are separate from credit union accounts1
What ORNL FCU's agreement and guidance say4
- Payments after the death
After notice of the death, the credit union may pay drafts or honor transfers the member authorized for ten days, unless a person claiming an interest in the account instructs it to stop payment.1
- Debts owed to the institution
A surviving joint owner's or beneficiary's interest is subject to the credit union's statutory and consensual lien rights, its right of set-off, and any security interest or pledge the deceased owner granted, even if the surviving owner did not consent.1
- Indemnity a claimant may have to give
The credit union may require anyone claiming the funds to indemnify it for losses.1
- Powers of attorney
Authorized signers' authority is automatically revoked on the death of an individual owner or of the last surviving owner of a joint account.1
Not in ORNL FCU's published guidance1
- A claim form
Sources1
- 1.Universal Account Agreement, Rev 2-2025
Sources
Data sourced from ORNL FCU primary sources (13 pages reviewed). How we research.
ORNL FCU death claims support
Call Center
Phone
Call Center (local)
Telephone Banking (toll free)
Telephone Banking (local)
Debit Card (activate, PIN, disputes, lost/stolen)
Credit Card Support
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Death notifications go through general customer service.
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your ORNL FCU accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Forms for Settling an Estate
Free forms for settling an estate: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Digital Assets Recovery Letter
Prepare a letter requesting a deceased person's online accounts, points, and balances from the program that holds them.
Petition for Probate and Letters
Open probate and ask the court to appoint you and issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Notice to Creditors
Notify estate creditors and start the claim period — the published notice plus mailed copies for known creditors.
Renunciation of Executor
Decline an appointment as executor named in a will — the writing filed with the court before anyone is appointed.
Affidavit of Heirship
Prepare the sworn statement of a deceased person's family history and heirs for recording in the county land records, with your state's recording instructions.
Small Estate Affidavit
Collect a small estate's property without probate — the sworn affidavit presented to banks and other holders, with a presentation letter for each.
Tools for Settling an Estate
Free tools for settling an estate: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need and see ordering info for your state.
Do I Need Probate?
Find out if an estate needs probate or qualifies for simplified procedures.
Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?
Find out which tax returns need to be filed after someone dies and whether tax clearance is required.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Personalized plan for settling an estate after someone passes away.
What Do I Do When Someone Dies?
A step-by-step checklist for the days, weeks, and months after a death, with state rules noted where they apply.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax, and inheritance tax for an estate.
